Hopewell Junction man charged with gun magazine violation

ALBANY - State police have charged a 31-year-old Hudson Valley driver with a misdemeanor after he was pulled over and found with two more bullets in his handgun magazine than allowed under New York's new gun control law.

Troopers say Gregory Dean Jr. of Hopewell Junction was stopped for an inadequate light on his license plate about 9:45 p.m. Sunday in New Lebanon.

They say their investigation showed the semi-automatic on the passenger seat was a legally possessed but its magazine contained nine rounds, not seven as required since April 15.

Troopers say Dean was charged with aggravated unlicensed driving for a suspended license and unlawful possession of the ammunition feeder, both misdemeanors. He's due in New Lebanon town court May 23.

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A telephone listing for Dean was out of service Monday.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Rensselaer County, members of the County Legislature reacted to news of the arrest.

The Rensselaer County Legislature was one of the first counties to oppose the NY SAFE Act, adopting a resolution in opposition at its Feb. 12 meeting with a majority vote.

"Based on the reports we have seen, the arrest is troubling and shows how the SAFE Act is an overreach that has the potential to turn law-abiding citizens into criminals. We continue to support repeal of the SAFE Act to help avoid that scenario," said Legislator Thomas Walsh Sr.

"What is still not clear is how implementation of this law is improving public safety. The SAFE Act has, however, added huge costs for local governments and law enforcement at a time when those costs are not affordable by taxpayers," said Legislator Judith Breselor.

Along with supporting repeal of the NY SAFE Act, the Rensselaer County Legislature has also voiced opposition to the costs incurred by the law. The law includes costs for gun owners who wish to opt out of having pistol permit information being disclosed publicly along with other costs.